Fuzzy Subtractive Clustering Technique Applied to Demand Response in a Smart Grid Scope

AbstractThis paper focuses on demand response in a smart grid scope using a fuzzy subtractive clustering technique for modeling demand response. Domestic consumption is classified into profiles in order to favorable cover the adequate modeling. The fuzzy subtractive clustering technique is applied to a case study of domestic consumption demand response with three scenarios and a comparison of the results is presented. The demand response developed model intends to support consumer's decisions given a compromise between the consumption imperative needs and possible economical benefits due to reshape and reschedule

Radioactivity Dosage of Ornamental Granitic Rocks Based on Chemical, Mineralogical and Lithological Data

One hundred samples of granitic rock were collected from granite traders in Belo Horizonte. Autoradiography, optical microscopy, diffractometry, and chemical analysis (X-ray spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence, neutron activation, gravimetry and electron probe microanalysis) were used to determine the mineral assemblages and lithotypes. Autoradiographic results for several samples showed the presence of monazite, allanite and zircon. Chemical analysis revealed concentrations of uranium of {le} 30ppm, and thorium {le} 130ppm. Higher concentrations generally correlated with high concentrations of light rare earths in silica-rich rocks of granitic composition. Calculations were made of radioactive doses for floor tiles in a standard room for samples with total concentration of uranium and thorium greater than 60ppm. On the basis of calculations of {sup 232}Th, {sup 40}K and {sup 226}Ra from Th, K and U analysis, the doses calculated were between 0.11 and 0.34 mSv/year, which are much lower than the acceptable international exposure standard of 1.0 mSv/year

Agricultura urbana: modelos de desenho urbano para um planeamento sustentável

Este fascículo demonstra a importância da expressão territorial da agricultura urbana (AU), enquanto manifestação de ação humana na conceção de espaços verdes produtivos e enquanto ferramenta de análise para a sua caracterização espacial. O seu conhecimento é essencial para agilizar a integração do sistema alimentar em futuros instrumentos de ordenamento do território, potenciando uma desejável transição para um sistema urbano mais sustentável e socialmente inclusivo. Este estudo assenta nos resultados de um levantamento de hortas urbanas (HU) conduzido na Área Metropolitana de Lisboa (AML), no âmbito do Working Project 3 (WP3) – Segurança alimentar e Sustentabilidade - do Projeto ‘SPLACH – Spatial Planning for Change’, conduzido entre 2018 e 2019. Identificam-se aqui os padrões de HU existentes na AML, à luz de indicadores legislativos, espaciais e socioeconómicos. Partindo da pertinência da AU para uma transição sustentável do planeamento urbano e o seu contributo para o sistema alimentar, o presente fascículo procura responder às seguintes questões: (i) Como promover a integração da AU no planeamento urbano?; (ii) Que soluções morfológicas de AU melhor respondem?; e (iii) Que novos modelos e soluções espaciais de HU são as mais adequadas às condições legislativas, espaciais e socioeconómicas necessárias para um planeamento sustentável? Finalmente, destacamos, como principal contributo deste fascículo, a proposta de uma metodologia de integração da prática da AU no planeamento urbano através da criação de (i) Corredores Verdes Contínuos Produtivos e de (ii) Modelos morfológicos de HU compatíveis com especificações espaciais e socioeconómicas necessárias à garantia da Sustentabilidade Urbana.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

VARIAÇÃO ESPACIAL DO INTEMPERISMO COMO SUBSÍDIO AO ESTUDO DA DENUDAÇÃO NO MÉDIO VALE DO RIO PARAÍBA DO SUL – RJ

A variação de formas encontradas no médio vale do rio Paraíba do Sul indicam variabilidade quanto à natureza e intensidade dos processos de denudação. Busca-se explicar estas diferenças a partir da investigação granulométrica e química dos produtos de intemperismo. Os resultados apontam que os processos mecânicos são mais atuantes na sub-bacia do rio Pedras, sendo comparável a bacia do rio Bananal, enquanto que na sub-bacia do rio Turvo os processos químicos são dominantes em sua evolução

Simple heuristics for the assembly line worker assignment and balancing problem

We propose simple heuristics for the assembly line worker assignment and balancing problem. This problem typically occurs in assembly lines in sheltered work centers for the disabled. Different from the classical simple assembly line balancing problem, the task execution times vary according to the assigned worker. We develop a constructive heuristic framework based on task and worker priority rules defining the order in which the tasks and workers should be assigned to the workstations. We present a number of such rules and compare their performance across three possible uses: as a stand-alone method, as an initial solution generator for meta-heuristics, and as a decoder for a hybrid genetic algorithm. Our results show that the heuristics are fast, they obtain good results as a stand-alone method and are efficient when used as a initial solution generator or as a solution decoder within more elaborate approaches.Comment: 18 pages, 1 figur

Generation and characterization of a recombinant chimeric protein (rCpLi) consisting of B-cell epitopes of a dermonecrotic protein from Loxosceles intermedia spider venom

AbstractA chimeric protein was constructed expressing three epitopes of LiD1, a dermonecrotic toxin from the venom of Loxosceles intermedia spider. This species is responsible for a large number of accidents involving spiders in Brazil. We demonstrated that the chimeric protein (rCpLi) generated is atoxic and that antibodies previously developed in rabbits against synthetic epitopes reactive with rCpLi in ELISA and immunoblot assays. The antibody response in rabbits against the rCpLi was evaluated by ELISA and we have detected an antibody response in all immunized animals. Overlapping peptides covering the amino acid sequence of the rCpLi were synthesized on a cellulose membrane, and their recognition by rabbit anti-rCpLi serum assessed. Three different antigenic regions were identified. The percentage of inhibition of the dermonecrotic, hemorrhagic and edematogenic activities caused by the recombinant protein LiD1r in naïve rabbits was assessed by pre-incubation with anti-rCpLi antibodies. Anti-rCpLi induced good dermonecrotic and hemorrhagic protection. The levels of protection were similar to the antiboides anti-LiD1r. In summary, we have developed a polyepitope recombinant chimeric protein capable of inducing multiple responses of neutralizing antibodies in a rabbit model. This engineered protein may be a promising candidate for therapeutic serum development or vaccination

Bouncing pre-big bang on the brane

A regular bouncing universe is obtained in the context of a dilaton-gravity brane world scenario. The scale factor starts in a contracting inflationary phase both in the Einstein and in the string frame, it then undergoes a bounce (due to interaction with the bulk Weyl tensor), and subsequently enters into a decelerated expanding era. This graceful exit is obtained at low curvature and low coupling, and without violating the Null Energy Condition.Comment: 16 pages, 3 figures; final version to be published on PRD. General improvement of section II (better specification of the matter content on the brane and discussion about the late time behavior), main results unchanged; 2 references adde

Universality and scaling study of the critical behavior of the two-dimensional Blume-Capel model in short-time dynamics

In this paper we study the short-time behavior of the Blume-Capel model at the tricritical point as well as along the second order critical line. Dynamic and static exponents are estimated by exploring scaling relations for the magnetization and its moments at early stage of the dynamic evolution. Our estimates for the dynamic exponents, at the tricritical point, are $z= 2.215(2)$ and $\theta= -0.53(2)$.Comment: 12 pages, 9 figure